Liquid quality system with drag-inducing portions

ABSTRACT

The embodiments of the present disclosure provide a system for removing particulates from liquid. The system may comprise a base, a tubular body extending upwardly from the base, a liquid quality device located above the base, a sump region located between the base and the liquid quality device, and a plurality of drag-inducing portions positioned in the sump region and projecting inwardly toward a central axis of the sump region. The tubular body may comprise an inlet and an outlet. The plurality of drag-inducing portions may comprise a first set of drag-inducing portions, a second set of drag-inducing portions, a third set of drag-inducing portions, and a fourth set of drag-inducing portions. The first, second, third, and fourth sets of drag-inducing portions may be positioned equidistant from each other and at a same height around a perimeter of the sump region.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates generally to systems for removing particulatesfrom liquid, and more particularly, to systems comprising a liquidquality device and a plurality of drag-inducing portions in a sumpregion for removing particulates from liquid.

BACKGROUND

Stormwater management systems are used to manage and treat stormwater,for example, by providing stormwater chambers in which sediment, debris,pollutants, or particulates may be removed from stormwater. As such,stormwater chambers may be provided underground where the chamberscapture stormwater to separate and retain particulates until they aredeposited in the ground or in an off-site location.

Often times, however, conventional stormwater management systems cannotprevent the flow of liquid, such as stormwater runoff, from flooding inthe chambers. For example, when a stormwater chamber is filled withstormwater runoff, the systems may no longer be able to capturestormwater and retain particulates until they can be deposited in theground or in an off-site location later. Accordingly, becauseconventional stormwater management systems run the risk of flooding, itis challenging for conventional stormwater management systems to reduceparticulates from stormwater runoff and, ultimately, preventparticulates from reaching rivers, ponds, lakes, or the ocean.

Therefore, there is a need for improved systems for removingparticulates from liquid, such as stormwater runoff, that are capable ofreducing the risk of liquid flooding in the systems. There is also aneed for improved systems for removing particulates from liquid that canreduce the risk of particulates escaping the systems.

SUMMARY

Embodiments of the present disclosure may include a system for removingparticulates from liquid. The system may comprise a base, a tubular bodyextending upwardly from the base, a liquid quality device located abovethe base, a sump region located between the base and the liquid qualitydevice, and a plurality of drag-inducing portions positioned in the sumpregion and projecting inwardly toward a central axis of the sump region.The tubular body may comprise an inlet and an outlet. In addition, theplurality of drag-inducing portions may comprise a first set ofdrag-inducing portions, a second set of drag-inducing portions, athird-set of drag-inducing portions, and a fourth set of drag-inducingportions. The first, second, third, and fourth sets of drag-inducingportions may be positioned equidistant from each other and at a sameheight around a perimeter of the sump region.

In some embodiments, the system may further comprise a plate positionedin the sump region between the liquid quality device and the pluralityof drag-inducing portions. The plate may be attached to an internalsurface of the tubular body and may project inwardly toward the centralaxis of the sump region. In some embodiments, the plate may projectinwardly toward the central axis of the sump region such that the platepartially covers a horizontal, cross-sectional area of the sump region.

In other embodiments, the liquid quality device may further comprise afirst region comprising a funnel with a sump inlet aperture, a secondregion comprising a sump outlet aperture, and a weir positioned betweenthe first region and the second region. The system may further comprisea tube positioned below the sump inlet aperture. In some embodiments,the tube may extend downwardly from the sump inlet aperture into thesump region. In other embodiments, the first region may be configured toreceive a flow of liquid from the inlet of the tubular body and transferthe flow of liquid through the sump inlet aperture of the funnel andinto the sump region. Additionally, the second region may be configuredto receive the flow of liquid from the sump region through the sumpoutlet aperture and transfer the flow of liquid to the outlet of thetubular body.

In some embodiments, at least one of the first, second, third, or fourthsets of drag-inducing portions may further comprise a first tooth, asecond tooth located below the first tooth, and a third tooth locatedbelow the second tooth. In some embodiments, teeth of the first set ofdrag-inducing portions may be positioned in a different orientation thanteeth of the second set of drag-inducing portions. In other embodiments,the first, second, third, and fourth sets of drag-inducing portions maybe attached to respective supporting portions positioned proximate thetubular body in the sump region.

According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, a system forremoving particulates from liquid is provided. The system may comprise abase, a tubular body extending upwardly from the base, a liquid qualitydevice located above the base, a sump region located between the baseand the liquid quality device, a plurality of drag-inducing portionspositioned in the sump region and projecting inwardly toward a centralaxis of the sump region, a plate positioned in the sump region betweenthe liquid quality device and the plurality of drag-inducing portions,and a tube positioned below the sump inlet aperture. The tubular bodymay comprise an inlet and an outlet. In addition, the liquid qualitydevice may comprise a first region comprising a funnel with a sump inletaperture, a second region comprising a sump outlet aperture, and a weirpositioned between the first region and the second region. Additionally,the tube may extend downwardly from the sump inlet aperture into thesump region.

In some embodiments, the plurality of drag-inducing portions maycomprise a first set of drag-inducing portions, a second set ofdrag-inducing portions, a third set of drag-inducing portions, and afourth set of drag-inducing portions. The first, second, third, andfourth sets of drag-inducing portions may be positioned equidistant fromeach other and at a same height around a perimeter of the sump region.In some embodiments, at least one of the first, second, third, or fourthsets of drag-inducing portions may further comprise a first tooth, asecond tooth located below the first tooth, and a third tooth locatedbelow the second tooth. In some embodiments, teeth of the first set ofdrag-inducing portions may be positioned in a different orientation thanteeth of the second set of drag-inducing portions. In other embodiments,the first, second, third, and fourth sets of drag-inducing portions maybe attached to respective supporting portions positioned proximate thetubular body in the sump region.

In some embodiments, the plate may project inwardly toward the centralaxis of the sump region such that the plate partially covers ahorizontal, cross-sectional area of the sump region. In yet anotherembodiment, the first region may be configured to receive a flow ofliquid from the inlet of the tubular body and transfer the flow ofliquid through the sump inlet aperture of the funnel and into the sumpregion, and the second region may be configured to receive the flow ofliquid from the sump region through the sump outlet aperture andtransfer the flow of liquid to the outlet of the tubular body. In someembodiments, the tube may be configured to extend between about 2 inchesand about 20 inches downwardly from the sump inlet aperture into thesump region.

According to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, a systemfor removing particulates from liquid is provided. The system maycomprise a base, a tubular body extending upwardly from the base, aliquid quality device located above the base, a sump region locatedbetween the base and the liquid quality device, a plurality of sets ofdrag-inducing portions positioned equidistant from each other and at asame height around a perimeter of the sump region, a plate positioned inthe sump region between the liquid quality device and the plurality ofsets of drag-inducing portions, and a tube positioned below the sumpinlet aperture. The tubular body may comprise an inlet and an outlet. Inaddition, the tube may extend downwardly from the sump inlet apertureinto the sump region. Additionally, the liquid quality device maycomprise a first region comprising a funnel with a sump inlet aperture,a second region comprising a sump outlet aperture, and a weir positionedbetween the first region and the second region.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated into and constitute apart of this specification, illustrate disclosed embodiments and,together with the description, serve to explain the disclosedembodiments.

FIG. 1 is an illustration of a perspective view of an exemplary liquidquality device, consistent with the embodiments of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 2A is an illustration of a top view of an exemplary system with aliquid quality device, consistent with the embodiments of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 2B is an illustration of a top view of another exemplary systemwith a liquid quality device, consistent with the embodiments of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 2C is an illustration of a top view of another exemplary systemwith a liquid quality device, consistent with the embodiments of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 3 is an illustration of another exemplary liquid quality device,consistent with the embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 is an illustration of a perspective view of an exemplary systemwith a plurality of drag-inducing portions, consistent with theembodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 is an illustration of a cross-sectional view of the exemplarysystem of FIG. 4 taken along line 9-9, consistent with the embodimentsof the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 is an illustration of a bottom view of the exemplary system ofFIG. 4, consistent with the embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7 is an illustration of a perspective view of a plurality ofdrag-inducing portions, consistent with the embodiments of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 8 is an illustration of a front view of the plurality ofdrag-inducing portions of FIG. 7, consistent with the embodiments of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 9 is an illustration of a cross-sectional view of another exemplarysystem with a plate positioned above a plurality of drag-inducingportions, consistent with the embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 10 is an illustration of a bottom view of the exemplary system ofFIG. 9, consistent with the embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 11 is an illustration of a sequence showing how fluid flows throughthe exemplary system of FIG. 9, consistent with the embodiments of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 12 is an illustration of a cross-sectional view of anotherexemplary system with a plate positioned above a plurality ofdrag-inducing portions and a tube, consistent with the embodiments ofthe present disclosure;

FIG. 13 is an illustration of a sequence showing how fluid flows throughthe exemplary system of FIG. 12, consistent with the embodiments of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 14A is an illustration of a front perspective view of anotherexemplary system, consistent with the embodiments of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 14B is a rear perspective view of the exemplary system of FIG. 14A;and

FIG. 15 is an illustration of exemplary drag-inducing portions,consistent with the embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to the present embodiments(exemplary embodiments) of the disclosure, examples of which areillustrated in the accompanying drawings.

As discussed in further detail below, various embodiments of a systemfor removing particulates from liquid, such as stormwater runoff, areprovided. The system, consistent with the embodiments of the presentdisclosure, may be used to reduce particulates in liquid by inducing avortex in the liquid, causing suspended particulates to settle on theoutside of the vortex in a sump region of the system. Accordingly, thesystem may be able to separate the liquid from the particulates.However, if the velocity of the vortex is too great, the liquid flow maybe every turbulent and the settled particulates may be mixed into theliquid again before exiting the system.

The exemplary system for removing particulates from liquid, consistentwith the embodiments of the present disclosure, may be better adapted toremove particulates from liquid by reducing the speed of the vortex,directing the liquid flow away from the outlet of the system, subjectingthe vortex to drag, thereby decreasing the velocities within the vortex,and/or reducing the lateral movement of the liquid flow. Thesetechniques may improve the effectiveness of the system, as will bedescribed in further detail below.

Turning now to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of anexemplary liquid quality device 100, consistent with the embodiments ofthe present disclosure. The liquid quality device 100 may comprise apartitioning portion 110 and a weir 120. The portioning portion 110 maycomprise a first region 111 and a second region 113, which may beseparated by the weir 120. The components of the partitioning portion110, such as the first region 111, the second region 113, and/or theweir 120, may be one integrated piece. In other embodiments, thecomponents of the partitioning portion 110, such as the first region111, the second region 113, and/or the weir 120, may be formed fromseparate pieces. The partitioning portion 110 and/or the weir 120 may beformed of a material, such as polyethylene, polypropylene, or otherthermoplastics, or metals, such as stainless steel or aluminum, orfiberglass.

In some embodiments, the weir 120 may at least partially separate thefirst region 111 from the second region 113. As seen in FIG. 1, forexample, the weir 120 may comprise a curvature along a horizontaldimension, which may be concave when viewed from the first region 111.The curvature of the weir 120 may be constant. In other embodiments, thecurvature of the weir 120 may have a curve with a varying radius (asshown in FIG. 1). For example, the curvature of the weir 120 may haveshorter radiuses at the edges and one or more longer radiuses in thecenter. Such a varying-radius design of the curvature of the weir 120may facilitate the creation of a relatively smooth transition betweenthe weir 120 and a sidewall of a tubular body of a system for removingparticulates from liquid. The varying curvature may also assist inreducing turbulence, which may negatively impact the efficiency of theliquid quality device 100 to remove particulates from liquid. In otherembodiments, the weir 120 may have no curvature. In yet anotherembodiment, the weir 120 may have a convex curvature when viewed fromthe first region 111.

In some embodiments, the first region 111 may comprise a funnel and asump inlet aperture 112. The funnel may be configured to increase thelength of time that the liquid flow remains in the funnel, and thus, ina vortex. Additionally or alternatively, the funnel may graduallydecrease in radius as the liquid flows down the funnel. Accordingly, thefunnel may be configured to maximize particulate separation. The secondregion 113 may comprise a sump outlet aperture 114. The second region113 may also comprise a generally flat profile in the horizontaldimension. The sizes of the sump inlet aperture 112 and the sump outletaperture 114 may be determined using the following equation:

Q=C_(d)A√{square root over (2gh)}

where Q is the flow rate in cubic feet per second, A is the area of therespective aperture in square feet, g is the acceleration of gravity(32.2 ft/s²), and h is the head in feet acting on the respectiveaperture.

FIGS. 2A-2C illustrate a top view of various embodiments of an exemplarysystem 200 comprising the liquid quality device 100 of FIG. 1,consistent with the embodiments of the present disclosure. System 200may comprise a base 210 (shown in FIG. 4), an inlet 220, and an outlet230. In some embodiments, the base 210, the inlet 220, and/or the outlet230 may be integrated into the body of system 200. In other embodiments,the base 210, the inlet 220, and/or the outlet 230 may be formed ofseparate pieces that may be coupled to each other to form system 200.

Referring to FIG. 2A, when liquid, such as stormwater runoff, enterssystem 200, the liquid may enter system 200 on one side through theinlet 220 and flow through the sump inlet aperture 112 into a sumpregion. Then, the liquid may flow from the sump region through the sumpoutlet aperture 114 and exit system 200 on an opposite side through theoutlet 230. In other embodiments, liquid may enter and exit system 200on the same side. For example, referring to FIG. 2B, the liquid mayenter system 200 on one side through the inlet 220 and flow through thesump inlet aperture 112 into a sump region. Then, the liquid may flowfrom the sump region through the sump outlet aperture 114 and exitsystem 200 on the same side through the outlet 230. In yet anotherembodiment, the inlet 220 and the outlet 230 may be located on oppositesides of system 200 and may be offset relative to each other in ahorizontal direction. For example, referring to FIG. 2C, the inlet 220and the outlet 230 may be offset relative to each other in a horizontaldirection, as compared to the positions of the inlet 220 and the outlet230 in FIG. 2A. Other arrangements of the inlet 220 and the outlet 230may be possible. For example, the inlet 220 and the outlet 230 may bepositioned at right angles or oblique angles relative to each other.

FIG. 3 illustrates another exemplary liquid quality device 300,consistent with the embodiments of the present disclosure. The liquidquality device 300 may comprise a partitioning portion 310 and a weir320. The portioning portion 310 may comprise a first region 311 and asecond region 313, which may be separated by the weir 320. In someembodiments, the weir 320 may at least partially (or completely)separate the first region 311 from the second region 313. The firstregion 311 may comprise a funnel and a sump inlet aperture 312, and thesecond region 313 may comprise a sump outlet aperture 314. In someembodiments, the second region 313 may comprise a generally flat profilein the horizontal dimension.

In some embodiments, the first region 311, the second region 313, and/orthe weir 320 may be integrated into one piece. In other embodiments, thefirst region 311, the second region 313, and/or the weir 320 may beformed of separate pieces and coupled to each other to form the liquidquality device 300. In some embodiments, the liquid quality device 300may further comprise a clean-out riser pipe 330 extending upwardly froman additional aperture 331 in the second region 313. In someembodiments, a vacuum may be applied through the clean-out riser pipe730 in order to remove settled particulates in a sump region, such assump region 240 in FIG. 4.

In other embodiments, the weir 320 may comprise an aperture 321.Aperture 321 may be sized and positioned to allow an increased flow ratethat falls between a design treatment flow rate and an ultimate flowrate (approximately 3× the design treatment flow rate) to pass throughthe aperture 321 without overtopping the entire weir 320. The designtreatment flow rate may be the flow rate of liquid that is intended topass through the unit and receive treatment for the removal ofparticulates. The ultimate flow rate may be the total flow rate of theliquid that can pass through the unit without overflowing from thesystem. By preventing the liquid flow from overtopping the weir 320, theliquid quality device 300 may be able to assist in containing largedebris and forcing large debris into the sump region. It is noted,however, that as the flow rates in the liquid quality device 300approach the ultimate flow rate, some additional liquid volume in theliquid quality device 300 may overtop the weir 320 and exit the liquidquality device 300. At this point, however, the liquid may be typicallyconsidered to have substantially reduced levels of particulates therein.Therefore, there may be no need for treatment of the liquid at thispoint. In addition, by allowing the liquid flow to overtop the weir 320at a particular point, the liquid quality device 300 may be capable ofreducing velocities in the sump region, which in turn may help to reducethe re-suspension of previously collected particulates.

FIGS. 4-8 illustrate a system 400 comprising a base 210, a tubular body480 extending upwardly from the base 210, a liquid quality device 401,and a sump region 240 between the base 210 and the liquid quality device410. The liquid quality device 401 may comprise a partitioning portion410 and a weir 420. The partitioning portion 410 may comprise a firstregion 411 and a second region 413, which may be separated by weir 420.As discussed above, the system 400 may comprise a tubular body 480. Thetubular body 480 may extend upwardly from the base 210 of system 400 andmay comprise an inlet 220 and an outlet 230.

In some embodiments, the system 400 may comprise a central vertical axisthat runs the primary length of the system 400 through the sump region240. The system 400 may further comprise at least one drag-inducingportion 450 and at least one supporting portion 460. In someembodiments, the at least one drag-inducing portion 450 may be attachedto the at least one supporting portion 460. In other embodiments, the atleast one drag-inducing portion 450 and the at least one supportingportion 460 may be integrated into once piece. The at least onedrag-inducing portion 450 may assist in reducing the liquid flowvelocity and turbulence in the vortex that may develop in the sumpregion 240. Accordingly, the at least one drag-inducing portion 450 mayprevent settled particulates from mixing back up into the liquid,thereby improving the effectiveness of the system 400 in removingparticulates from the liquid.

The at least one drag-inducing portion 450 may require a particular flowrate to begin affecting the flow of the liquid in the sump region 240.For example, at lower flow rates, the funnel may create a vortex in theliquid in the first region 411, causing liquid to flow through the sumpinlet aperture 412 and flow straight down into the sump region 240. Asthe flow rate increases, the rotational energy of the liquid may alsoincrease. Therefore, at higher flow rates, the vortex created in theliquid induced by the funnel in the first region 411 may have sufficientrotational energy to create a vortex in the liquid in the sump region240 after the liquid passes through the sump inlet aperture 412. Such avortex in the sump region 240 may have strong turbulence, and the liquidflow velocity and/or the turbulence of the vortex in the sump region 240may increase as the flow rate increases. As a result of a relativelyhigh flow rate, the turbulent vortex may pick up already settledparticulates from the floor of the sump region 240. In addition to arelatively high liquid flow velocity, liquid turbulence within thevortex may affect the behavior of the liquid flow and may also influencethe settling characteristics of particulates in the flow. For example,the greater the liquid turbulence and liquid flow velocity in the sumpregion 240, the more difficult it may be for particulates to settle, andthe easier it may be for particulates to be re-suspended into theliquid. Therefore, it may be desirable to create a longer, more laminarflow path to increase the amount of time during which liquid remains inthe sump region 240, thereby providing sufficient time for particulatesto settle at the base 210. In some embodiments, system 400 may reduceresuspension of settled particulates in the sump region 240 bytransforming the turbulent flow of the vortex into a controlled andincreasingly laminar flow. In order to create a longer, more laminarflow path, system 400 may force the liquid to make smooth directionchanges as the liquid moves around the sump region 240 in the vortex.Additionally or alternatively, system 400 may guide the liquid flow awayfrom the sump outlet aperture 414 to increase the amount of time thatliquid remains in the sump region 240.

In some embodiments, as seen in FIGS. 4-6, the drag-inducing portions450 may project inwardly towards the central axis of the system 400 andmay be positioned proximate a sidewall of tubular body 480 in the sumpregion 240. For example, the drag-inducing portions 450 may bepositioned proximate to or on the sidewall of the tubular body 480 inthe sump region 240. The drag-inducing portion) 450 may create drag toslow the liquid flow velocities in the vortex, extend the flow path byforcing a smooth direction change, and/or guide liquid away from thesump outlet aperture 414. In some embodiments, the orientation and angleof the at least one drag-inducing portion 450 may be adjustable.

In other embodiments, the at least one drag-inducing portion 450 maycomprise a solid or a hollow body and may be configured to displace somevolume of the liquid in the sump region 240. For example, when liquidflow passes by the body of the at least one drag-inducing portion 450,the liquid in the flow may be displaced by the body of the at least onedrag-inducing portion 450 and, as a result, a boundary layer may formalong the surface of the at least one drag-inducing portion 450. Theboundary layer may result in the liquid changing in viscosity andbecoming more dense, thereby directing the liquid downstream until theflow separates. Such displacement of the liquid flow path may facilitatethe settling of particulates by allowing the particulates to be knockedout of the vortex flow.

In some embodiments, a plurality of drag-inducing portions 450 may bepositioned in the sump region 240 in order to reduce the liquid flowvelocity in the vortex and alter the flow path of liquid even more. Insome embodiments, the drag-inducing portions 450 may be attached to atleast one supporting portion 460, which may in turn be attached to thesidewall of the sump region 240. In some embodiments, for example, thedrag-inducing portions 450 may be attached to the at least onesupporting portion 460 by an adhesive, a screw, or a bolt. In otherembodiments, the drag-inducing portions 450 and the at least onesupporting portion 460 may be integrated and formed in a single piece.Similarly, the at least one supporting portion 460 may be attached tothe sidewall of the sump region 240 by an adhesive, a screw, or a bolt.In other embodiments, the at least one supporting portion 460 and thesidewall of the sump region 240 may be integrated and formed in a singlepiece. In yet another embodiment, the drag-inducing portions 450 may bedirectly attached to the sidewall of the sump region 240 without thesupporting portion 460.

By way of example, FIGS. 14A and 14B illustrate perspective views of anexemplary embodiment of system 400 comprising a funnel in the firstregion 411, a weir 420, a plurality of drag-inducing portions 450, and aplurality of supporting portions 460. In FIGS. 14A and 14B, the funnelin the first region 411, the weir 420, the plurality of drag-inducingportions 450, and the plurality of supporting portions 460 may beintegrated and formed in a single piece to form the system 400. In someembodiments, the funnel in the first region 411, the weir 420, theplurality of drag-inducing portions 450, and the plurality of supportingportions 460 may be formed of a material, such as polyethylene,polypropylene, or other thermoplastics, or metals, such as stainlesssteel or aluminum, or fiberglass. Additionally or alternatively, thefunnel in the first region 411, the weir 420, the plurality ofdrag-inducing portions 450, and the plurality of supporting portions 460may be welded together to form the system 400. In other embodiments, thesystem 400 may comprise a plurality of sump outlet apertures 414 toguide the liquid flow out of the sump region 240. For example, as seenin FIG. 14B, the system 400 may comprise two sump outlet apertures 414to guide the liquid flow out of the sump region 240.

In some embodiments, the plurality of drag-inducing portions 450 may bemade from a single sheet of material, and thus, integrated and formedinto a single piece. For example, as shown in FIG. 15, each set ofdrag-inducing portions 450 a, 450 b, and 450 c may be made from a singlesheet of material, such as polyethylene, polypropylene, or otherthermoplastics, or metals, such as stainless steel or aluminum, orfiberglass. In some embodiments, each set of drag-inducing portions 450a, 450 b, and 450 c, as well as the supporting portion 460 a/c or 460b/d on which each set of drag-inducing portions 450 a, 450 b, and 450 care coupled, may be formed from a single piece of material, and thus,integrated into one piece. As seen in FIG. 15, in some embodiments, oneor more of the sets of drag-inducing portions 450 may be adjusted insize and one or more of the supporting portions 460 a/c and 460 b/d maybe adjusted in length based on a diameter of the system for removingparticulates from liquid.

In some embodiments, the drag-inducing portions 450 may comprise one ormore triangular-shaped teeth. For example, as used herein, “tooth” or“teeth” may refer to individual drag-inducing portions 450. The terms“tooth” and “teeth” are not limited to triangular shapes. For example,the drag-inducing portions 450 may comprise teeth of other geometricalshapes, including but not limited to, rectangles, squares, ovals,circles, or other various polygons. In some embodiments, the at leastone supporting portion 460 may comprise vertical strips that may bepositioned between the partitioning portion 410 and the base 210proximate the sidewall of the tubular body 480 in the sump region 240.In some embodiments, the plurality of supporting portions 460 may bespaced equidistant around a perimeter of the sump region 240 such thatsets of drag-inducing portions 450 may be positioned equidistant arounda perimeter of the sump region 240. Additionally or alternatively, theplurality of supporting portions 460 may be positioned irregularlyaround the perimeter of the sump region 240.

As shown in FIG. 4, system 400 may comprise a plurality of drag-inducingportions 450. For example, system 400 may comprise a plurality of setsof drag-inducing portions, such as a first set of drag-inducingportions, a second set of drag-inducing portions, a third set ofdrag-inducing portions, and a fourth set of drag-inducing portions. Thefirst, second, third, and fourth sets of drag-inducing portions may bepositioned equidistant from each other and at a same height around aperimeter of the sump region. In some embodiments, system 400 maycomprise any number of sets of drag-inducing portions, such as one toten sets of drag-inducing portions. As seen in FIG. 5, each set ofdrag-inducing portions may comprise a first drag-inducing portion 450 a,a second drag-inducing portion 450 b, and a third drag-inducing portion450 c, each of which may project inwardly toward the central axis andmay be positioned proximate the sidewall of the tubular body 480 in thesump region 240. Each of the first drag-inducing portion 450 a, thesecond drag-inducing portion 450 b, and the third drag-inducing portion450 c may be referred to as a tooth. The first drag-inducing portion 450a, the second drag-inducing portion 450 b, and the third drag-inducingportion 450 c may make up one set of drag-inducing portions 450.Therefore, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, for example, system 400 maycomprise four sets of drag-inducing portions 450 respectively attachedto a first supporting portion 460 a, a second supporting portion 460 b,a third supporting portion 460 c, and a fourth supporting portion 460 d.

As seen in FIG. 4, supporting portions 460 a, 460 b, 460 c, and 460 dmay be positioned equidistant around the perimeter of the sump region240. In some embodiments, the vertical positioning of drag-inducingportions 450 a, 450 b, and 450 c may be generally central on each of thesupporting portions 460 a, 460 b, 460 c, and 460 d. Additionally oralternatively, each set of drag-inducing portions 450 a, 450 b, and 450c may be positioned at a same height around a perimeter of the sumpregion, thereby simplifying the process of installing drag-inducingportions 450 on the supporting portions 460 and/or the sidewall of thesump region 240. For example, each drag-inducing portion 450 apositioned around the perimeter of the sump region 240 may be positionedat the same height, each drag-inducing portion 450 b positioned aroundthe perimeter of the sump region 240 may be positioned at the sameheight, and each drag-inducing portion 450 c positioned around theperimeter of the sump region 240 may be positioned at the same height.

In other embodiments, supporting portions 460 a and 460 c may have adifferent configuration of drag-inducing portions 450 a, 450 b, and 450c than supporting portions 460 b and 460 d. For example, the supportingportions 460 a and 460 c may face each other and have a firstconfiguration and orientation of drag-inducing portions 450 a, 450 b,and 450 c, while supporting portions 460 b and 460 d may face each otherand have a second, different configuration and orientation ofdrag-inducing portions 450 a, 450 b, and 450 c.

FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate a first configuration and a secondconfiguration of a plurality of drag-inducing portions 450, consistentwith the embodiments of the present disclosure. As seen in FIGS. 7 and8, in the first configuration, the drag-inducing portions 450 a, 450 b,and 450 c may be equidistantly vertically positioned along a primaryaxial dimension of respective supporting portions 460 a, 460 c. In otherembodiments, the drag-inducing portions 450 a, 450 b, and 450 c may beirregularly vertically positioned along a primary axial dimension. Asseen in FIGS. 7 and 8, in the first configuration, the drag-inducingportions 450 a, 450 b, and 450 c may each be oriented upwardly. Thefirst drag-inducing portion 450 a and the third drag-inducing portion450 c may be oriented in the same direction, while the seconddrag-inducing portion 450 b is oriented in a different direction. Forexample, the first drag-inducing portion 450 a and the thirddrag-inducing portion 450 c may be angled 60° from a horizontal plane,while the second drag-inducing portion 450 b may have a mirroredorientation from the first drag-inducing portion 450 a and the thirddrag-inducing portion 450 c. That is, the second drag-inducing portion450 b may be angled 120° from the horizontal plane. The first, second,and third drag-inducing portions 450 a, 450 b, and 450 c may be orientedat other various angles from the horizontal plane in the firstconfiguration.

In the second configuration, the drag-inducing portions 450 a, 450 b,and 450 c may be equidistantly vertically positioned along a primaryaxial dimension of respective supporting portions 460 b, 460 d. In otherembodiments, the drag-inducing portions 450 a, 450 b, and 450 c may beirregularly vertically positioned along a primary axial dimension. Asseen in FIGS. 7 and 8, in the second configuration, the drag-inducingportions 450 a, 450 b, and 450 c may each be oriented downwardly. Thefirst drag-inducing portion 450 a and the third drag-inducing portion450 c may be oriented in the same direction, while the seconddrag-inducing portion 450 b is oriented in a different direction. Forexample, the first drag-inducing portion 450 a and the thirddrag-inducing portion 450 c may be angled −60° from a horizontal plane,while the second drag-inducing portion 450 b may have a mirroredorientation from the first drag-inducing portion 450 a and the thirddrag-inducing portion 450 c. That is, the second drag-inducing portion450 b may be angled −120° from the horizontal plane. The first, second,and third drag-inducing portions 450 a, 450 b, and 450 c may be orientedat other various angles from the horizontal plane in the secondconfiguration.

The drag-inducing portions 450 a, 450 b, and 450 c in the firstconfiguration may be respectively at the same height as thedrag-inducing portions 450 a, 450 b, and 450 c in the secondconfiguration along the primary axial dimension. For example, as shownin FIG. 8, the first drag-inducing portion 450 a in the firstconfiguration on supporting portion 460 a or 460 c may be at the sameheight as the first drag-inducing portion 450 a in the secondconfiguration on supporting portion 460 b or 460 d along a primary axialdimension. In addition, the second drag-inducing portion 450 b in thefirst configuration on supporting portion 460 a or 460 c may be at thesame height as the second drag-inducing portion 450 b in the secondconfiguration on supporting portion 460 b or 460 d. Similarly, the thirddrag-inducing portion 450 c in the first configuration on supportingportion 460 a or 460 c may be at the same height as the thirddrag-inducing portion 450 c in the second configuration on supportingportion 460 b or 460 d.

The angular position of the drag-inducing portions 450 a, 450 b, and 450c may be based on the principles of Stoke's Law and “inclined platesettling” techniques. For example, in the embodiment in which thedrag-inducing portions 450 are positioned at +60° or −60°, thepositioning of the drag-inducing portions 450 may help facilitateparticulate settling. An angular positioning of +60° or −60° may alsoallow particulates to slide down the drag-inducing portions 450 and fallto the bottom of the sump region 240. The size and orientation of thedrag-inducing portions 450 may be determined based on the followingequations:

$t = \frac{w}{v\mspace{11mu}\cos\mspace{11mu}\phi}$$L = \frac{w\left( {V - {v\mspace{11mu}\sin\mspace{11mu}\phi}} \right)}{v\mspace{11mu}\cos\mspace{11mu}\phi}$

where w is the settling distance from the inlet aperture to the bottomof the sump region, v is the settling velocity (in/s), θ is the angle ofthe tubular body from the horizontal plane, and L is the length of thedrag-inducing portions, and

${{\frac{du_{p}}{dt} = {{F_{D}\left( {u - u_{p}} \right)} + \frac{{g_{x}\left( {\rho_{p} - \rho} \right)}x^{2}}{\rho_{p}} + F_{x}}}{F_{D} = {\frac{18u}{\rho_{p}d_{p}^{2}}\frac{C_{D}R_{p}}{24}}}R_{p}} = \frac{\left. {\rho d_{p}} \middle| {u_{p} - u} \right|}{u}$$C_{d} = \frac{24}{R_{p}}$

where u_(p) is the particle velocity, u is the fluid velocity, ρ is thefluid density, ρ_(p) is the particle density, g_(x) is the gravity, xand F_(x) are additional forces such as body forces and forces due topressure gradients, and F_(D) is the drag force being composed of theliquid molecular velocity μ, the particle diameter d_(p), the Reynoldsnumber of the particle R_(p), and the drag coefficient C_(d).

In some embodiments, the system for removing particulates from liquidmay further comprise a plate configured to prevent short-circuiting ofthe flow of liquid. Referring to FIGS. 9-11, for example, system 400 mayfurther comprise a plate 470 positioned in the sump region 240 betweenthe liquid quality device 401 and the plurality of drag-inducingportions 450. When liquid, such as stormwater runoff, enters into thesump region 240 via sump inlet aperture 412 and interacts with theplurality of drag-inducing portions 450, a vortex is created, whichallows particulates in the liquid to fall out of the vortex and into thebottom of the sump region 240 before the liquid exits the system 400.However, a portion of the liquid flow may never reach the plurality ofdrag-inducing portions 450 in the sump region 450, but instead, exit thesystem 400 without liquid treatment. Accordingly, in order to ensurethat the liquid flow reaches the plurality of drag-inducing portions 450in the sump region 450 and prevent the liquid from exiting the system400 without treatment, a plate 470 may be positioned above the pluralityof drag-inducing portions 450. The plate 470 may be configured to directthe liquid flow to the plurality of drag-inducing portions 450, therebyeliminating flow pathways for short-circuiting.

As seen in FIGS. 9 and 10, the plate 470 may comprise a substantiallyhorizontal plate positioned below the sump inlet aperture 412 and abovethe plurality of drag-inducing portions 450. The plate 470 may be formedof a material, such as polyethylene, polypropylene, or otherthermoplastics, or metals, such as stainless steel or aluminum, orfiberglass. In some embodiments, the plate 470 may be between about 5inches and about 20 inches wide. For example, the plate 470 may be about15 inches wide. While FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate one plate 470 positionedin the sump region 240, the embodiments of the present disclosure arenot limited thereto. For example, system 400 may comprise a plurality ofplates 470 positioned above the drag-inducing portions 450 in the sumpregion 240, such as two, three, or four plates 470. In some embodiments,the number of plates 470 in the sump region 240 may be the same as thenumber of sets of drag-inducing portions 450 in the sump region 240. Byway of example, if there are four sets of drag-inducing portions 450 inthe sump region 240, system 400 may comprise four plates 470, one aboveeach set of drag-inducing portions 450.

FIG. 11 illustrates an exemplary sequence showing how liquid flowsthrough system 400, consistent with the embodiments of the presentdisclosure. At step A, liquid comprising suspended particulates mayenter into the funnel of the liquid quality device, and the funnel,together with the weir 420, may induce the liquid into a vortex. At stepB, the liquid may pass through the liquid quality device via sump inletaperture 412 and into the sump region 240. At step C, the liquidpropagates into the sump region 240 in a generally horizontal direction,as shown by the arrows. Once the liquid passes into the sump region 240,the vortex action may be reduced through detention time and energylosses, partly due to the plurality of drag-inducing portions 450(drag-inducing portions 450 a, 450 b, 450 c, as shown in FIG. 11),thereby allowing smaller particulates that were not removed through thecyclonic action of the vortex in the funnel to settle out of the liquidand into the bottom of the sump region 240. At step D, however, some ofthe liquid flow may try to exit the sump region 240 without reaching theplurality of drag-inducing portions 450 (i.e., short-circuiting).Accordingly, the plate 470 may be positioned above the plurality ofdrag-inducing portions 450 in the sump region 240 in order to direct theliquid flow trying to exit the sump region 240. For example, at step E,some of the liquid flow trying to exit the sump region 240 may bedirected back towards the plurality of drag-inducing portions 450 in thesump region 240 by the plate 470. Therefore, the plate 470 may ensurethat the liquid does not exit the system 400 without treatment to removeparticulates from the liquid.

In some embodiments, the system for removing particulates from liquidmay further comprise a tube to prevent short-circuiting of the flow ofliquid. Referring to FIGS. 12 and 13, for example, system 400 mayfurther comprise a tube 490 positioned below the sump inlet aperture412, and the tube 490 may extend downwardly from the sump inlet aperture412 into the sump region 240. For example, the tube 490 may extendbetween about 2 inches and about 20 inches downwardly from the sumpinlet aperture 412. In some embodiments, the tube 490 may extend betweenabout 12 inches and about 20 inches downwardly from the sump inletaperture 412. The tube 490 may be formed of a material, such aspolyethylene, polypropylene, or other thermoplastics, metals, such asstainless steel or aluminum, or fiberglass.

When liquid, such as stormwater runoff, enters through the sump inletaperture 412, the tube 490 may direct the incoming flow of liquid deeperinto the sump region 240, thereby reducing or eliminating lateralmovement of the liquid. Accordingly, the tube 490 may direct the liquidflow deeper into the plurality of drag-inducing portions 450(drag-inducing portions 450 a, 450 b, and 450 c depicted in FIG. 12) inthe sump region 240. By directing the liquid deeper into the pluralityof drag-inducing portions 450, the tube 490 may ensure that the liquidinteracts with the plurality of drag-inducing portions 450 for treatmentto remove particulates from the liquid before exiting the system 400,thereby eliminating flow pathways for short-circuiting. As shown in FIG.12, the system 400 may comprise both the plate 470 and the tube 490 toeliminate liquid flow pathways for short-circuiting and ensure that theliquid receives treatment for removing particulates therein beforeexiting the system 400. In other embodiments, the system 400 maycomprise only the plate 470 or only the tube 490.

FIG. 13 illustrates an exemplary sequence showing how liquid flowsthrough system 400, consistent with the embodiments of the presentdisclosure. At step A, liquid comprising suspended particulates mayenter flow into the funnel of the liquid quality device, and the funnel,together with the weir 420, may induce the liquid into a vortex. At stepB, the liquid may pass through the liquid quality device via sump inletaperture 412 and tube 490 and deeper into the sump region 240. At stepC, the liquid propagates into the sump region 240 in the generaldirection shown by the arrows. Once the liquid passes into the sumpregion 240, the vortex action may be reduced through detention time andenergy losses, partly due to the plurality of drag-inducing portions450, thereby allowing smaller particulates that were not removed throughthe cyclonic action of the vortex in the funnel to settle out of theliquid and into the bottom of the sump region 240. At step D, however,some of the liquid flow may try to exit the sump region 240 withoutreaching the plurality of drag-inducing portions 450 (i.e.,short-circuiting). Accordingly, the plate 470 may be positioned abovethe plurality of drag-inducing portions 450 (drag-inducing portions 450a, 450 b, and 450 c depicted in FIG. 13) in the sump region 240 in orderto direct the liquid flow trying to exit the sump region 240. Forexample, at step E, some of the liquid flow trying to exit the sumpregion 240 may be directed back towards the plurality of drag-inducingportions 450 in the sump region 240 by the plate 470. Therefore, thetube 490 and the plate 470 may further ensure that the liquid does notexit the system 400 without treatment to remove particulates from theliquid.

Moreover, while illustrative embodiments have been described herein, thescope includes any and all embodiments having equivalent elements,modifications, omissions, combinations (e.g., of aspects across variousembodiments), adaptations or alterations based on the presentdisclosure. The elements in the claims are to be interpreted broadlybased on the language employed in the claims and not limited to examplesdescribed in the present specification or during the prosecution of theapplication, which examples are to be construed as non-exclusive.Further, the steps of the disclosed methods can be modified in anymanner, including by reordering steps or inserting or deleting steps. Itis intended, therefore, that the specification and examples beconsidered as example only, with a true scope and spirit being indicatedby the following claims and their full scope of equivalents.

1-20. (canceled)
 21. A system for removing particulates from liquid andinducing drag in a liquid flow, wherein the system is configured forinsertion into a manhole thereby creating a sump region below thesystem, wherein the system comprises: a liquid quality devicecomprising: a first region having a funnel with a sump inlet aperture; asecond region having a sump outlet aperture; a weir positioned betweenthe first region and the second region; a plurality of drag-inducingportions located below the liquid quality device and projecting inwardlytowards a central axis of the sump region, wherein the plurality ofdrag-inducing portions comprise: a first set of drag-inducing portions;a second set of drag-inducing portions; a third set of drag-inducingportions; and wherein the first, second, and third, sets ofdrag-inducing portions are positioned equidistant from each other and ata same height around a perimeter of the sump region; and a platepositioned in the sump region between the liquid quality device and theplurality of drag-inducing portions wherein the plate projects inwardlytoward the central axis of the sump region; wherein the funnel in thefirst region, the weir, and the plurality of drag-inducing portions areintegrated and formed into a single piece.
 22. The system of claim 1,wherein: the liquid quality device further comprises a fourth set ofdrag-inducing portions; and wherein the first, second, third, and fourthsets of drag-inducing portions are positioned equidistant from eachother and at a same height around a perimeter of the sump region. 23.The system of claim 21, wherein at least one of the first, second, orthird sets of drag-inducing portions further comprises: a first tooth; asecond tooth located below the second tooth; and a third tooth locatedbelow the second tooth.
 24. The system of claim 23, wherein teeth of thefirst set of drag-inducing portions are positioned in a differentorientation than teeth of the second set of drag-inducing portions. 25.The system of claim 21, wherein the plate projects inwardly toward thecentral axis of the sump region such that the plate partially covers ahorizontal cross-sectional area of the sump region.
 26. The system ofclaim 21, further comprising: a tube positioned below the sump inletaperture, wherein the tube extends downwardly from the sump inletaperture into the sump region.
 27. The system of claim 21, wherein: thefirst region is configured to receive a flow of liquid from the inlet ofthe manhole and transfer the flow of liquid through the sump inletaperture of the funnel and into the sump region, and the second regionis configured to receive the flow of liquid from the sump region throughthe sump outlet aperture and transfer the flow of liquid to the outletof the manhole.
 28. The system of claim 21, wherein the weir comprises aconstant curvature along a horizontal dimension.
 29. The system of claim21, wherein the weir comprises a varying curvature along a horizontaldimension.
 30. The system of claim 21, wherein the liquid quality devicefurther comprises a clean-out riser pipe extending upwardly from aclean-out aperture in the second region.
 31. The system of claim 21,further comprising a plurality of supporting portions, wherein thefunnel in the first region, the weir, the supporting portions, and theplurality of drag-inducing portions are integrated and formed into asingle piece.
 32. A system for removing particulates from liquid andinducing drag in a liquid flow, wherein the system is configured forinsertion into a manhole thereby creating a sump region below thesystem, wherein the system comprises: a liquid quality devicecomprising: a first region having a funnel with a sump inlet aperture; asecond region having a sump outlet aperture; a weir positioned betweenthe first region and the second region; a plurality of drag-inducingportions located below the liquid quality device and projecting inwardlytowards a central axis of the sump region, wherein the plurality ofdrag-inducing portions comprise: a first set of drag-inducing portions;a second set of drag-inducing portions; a third set of drag-inducingportions; and a fourth set of drag-inducing portions, wherein the first,second, third, and fourth sets of drag-inducing portions are positionedequidistant from each other and at a same height around a perimeter ofthe sump region; a plate positioned in the sump region between theliquid quality device and the plurality of drag-inducing portionswherein the plate projects inwardly toward the central axis of the sumpregion; and a tube positioned below the sump inlet aperture, wherein thetube extends downwardly from the sump inlet aperture into the sumpregion; wherein the funnel in the first region, the weir, and theplurality of drag-inducing portions are integrated and formed into asingle piece.
 33. The system of claim 32, wherein at least one of thefirst, second, or third sets of drag-inducing portions furthercomprises: a first tooth; a second tooth located below the second tooth;and a third tooth located below the second tooth.
 34. The system ofclaim 33, wherein teeth of the first set of drag-inducing portions arepositioned in a different orientation than teeth of the second set ofdrag-inducing portions.
 35. The system of claim 32, wherein the plateprojects inwardly toward the central axis of the sump region such thatthe plate partially covers a horizontal cross-sectional area of the sumpregion.
 36. The system of claim 32, wherein: the first region isconfigured to receive a flow of liquid from the inlet of the manhole andtransfer the flow of liquid through the sump inlet aperture of thefunnel and into the sump region, and the second region is configured toreceive the flow of liquid from the sump region through the sump outletaperture and transfer the flow of liquid to the outlet of the manhole.37. The system of claim 321, wherein the liquid quality device furthercomprises a clean-out riser pipe extending upwardly from a clean-outaperture in the second region.
 38. The system of claim 32, furthercomprising a plurality of supporting portions, wherein the funnel in thefirst region, the weir, the supporting portions, and the plurality ofdrag-inducing portions are integrated and formed into a single piece.39. The system of claim 32, wherein the weir comprises a constantcurvature along a horizontal dimension.
 40. The system of claim 32,wherein the weir comprises a varying curvature along a horizontaldimension.